This evening, the Carolina Panthers will have a "new" starting quarterback. It's Andy Dalton's first time around the block, but it will mark his first official start as a Carolina Panther as he fills in for the rookie, Bryce Young, who is nursing an ankle injury.
"This is why you bring someone like Andy in," head coach Frank Reich said earlier this week. "Our goal is to put our team in [a] position to win championships. And even despite a tough start that’s still our vision, that’s still our goal, that’s what we’re working towards."
Carolina's offense enters Week 3 ranked dead last in passing yards per game (133.1), yards per completion (6.3), yards per attempt (4.2), and 31st in passer rating (66.6). The good news is that Seattle has had a rough start to the year defensively, particularly against the pass. The Seahawks are allowing 325 passing yards per game which ranks 30th in the NFL. Explosive plays are occurring left and right on this unit, which gives up 12.5 yards per completion.
This is a golden opportunity for Dalton to help the Panthers' aerial attack get on track.
"This guy is practicing at a high level," Reich said. "The way he's throwing the football. The way he works through progressions. The way he handles the operation. I mean, since he's been here, since day one he walked in the door, this guy has been starter-worthy. In my mind, in my opinion, he's one of the best 32 quarterbacks in the world. Really glad we have him for situations like this. He's had a really good week of practice."
Dalton's game-by-game numbers versus Seattle:
10/30/2011 (in Seattle): 18/29 168 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs (W 34-12)
10/11/2015: 30/44 331 yards, 2 TDs, INT (W 27-24)
9/8/2019 (in Seattle): 35/51 418 yards, 2 TDs (L 20-21)
10/9/2022: 16/24 187 yards, TD, INT (W 39-32)
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